Clay Wilson

Clay Wilson moved to Beulah Land November 8, 2023 at the age of 90. The “Ultimate Side Man’s” Taylor Guitar that he played gospel and country music all over the southeast is now silent, while he witnesses the glorious music in heaven.  Clay was born August 10, 1933 to Jesse and Pansy Wilson in Lenoir, NC but was raised and spent the rest of his life in Laurel Bloomery, TN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Greer Wilson, and his sister, Mae Fritts Gentry.

Clay graduated from Johnson County High School, served in the US Air Force and retired from Raytheon Industries. He was a member of Stateline Baptist Church since 1944, where he loved attending Sunday School and playing his guitar for everyone to enjoy. In addition to playing music, he loved fishing.

Clay is survived by Linda Brown, his love, constant companion and caregiver for over 25 years; his son, Garry Rector and wife, Trish; grandson, Jon-Marc Rector and wife Christine; great grandsons, Jon-Marc Rector II and Jacob Rector; nephew, Jeff Fritts and wife Pam; nieces, Jessica Shearin (Dustin), Stephanie Rucker (Lawrence); great nephews, Aaron Shearin and Noah Shearin; his second families, David and Debbie Brown, Amber McClellan (Timmy), Jacob Brown, Terry Brown, Caroline Johnson, Patrick Brown, Isaiah Brown, Timothy Brown, Sarah Morris, and Eli Morris; special sisters-in-law, Drema Richardson and her family Glen, Kristi and Jesse Richardson, Cordelia “Tom” Wilson Mink (Randy), Nancy McNatt (Buddy), and Marie Williams (Willie). He is also survived by his best friends, Lloyd Church, Fred Cox, Bill Williams, Van Neely, and a host of band mates, special friends and neighbors.

A special thanks to his friends who have provided support during his illness, Jessica Shearin, Amedisys Home Health, and Sisters Caring Heart Family Medicine.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Stateline Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dave Newbern and Pastor Michael Icenhour officiating. The graveside service and burial will follow at the Stateline cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to the Stateline Cemetery Fund, c/o Jeff Fritts, 8549 Hwy 91 N, Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680.

The family of Clay Wilson has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.